One of my goals for 2025 was to advance in my music photography, and being accepted to photograph festivals (specifically this one) on my own without working for any other music publication, was one of the things written on my little journal of manifestations for 2025. Let me tell you, MANIFESTING WORKS!!
Getting a media pass for this show was a pinch me moment, and I got to head to Fort Lauderdale with less than a weeks notice to photograph some of the biggest names in country music. I love that I can take my photography in all directions in ways that show who I am and represent me. I love my couples, and also love standing in the pit watching a massive crowd of people come together through music.
The Festival:
Tortuga 2025 was one for the books. Three days of sunshine, sand, and so much country music magic on the shores of Fort Lauderdale Beach. Day one kicked off strong—Gavin DeGraw opened the main stage (and casually posted my photos?! OMG) while Marcus King brought the bluesy soul to the sunset stage. Parker McCollum absolutely lit up the main stage with his Texas swagger, and then—Ludacris?! Yep, he hit the sunset stage and had the crowd GOING. Not your typical country fest vibe, but man, did he bring the heat. He even reposted a gif I made of his photos—pinch me moment. Jelly Roll headlined night one and LITERALLY brought the fire during “LIAR” with flames shooting from the stage. Insane.
Day 2 rolled in hot. I started with Megan Patrick on the main stage, then hit the Next From Nashville stage to catch Avery Anna’s sweet vocals. Wyatt Flores brought his gritty energy to the main stage, Abby Anderson had the whole crowd smiling, and Jordan Davis kept the vibes high as the sun started to go down. Shaboozey turned the sunset stage into a straight-up party, and Keith Urban wrapped up the night in pure rockstar fashion.
By Day 3, my camera roll was packed but my heart was SO full. Rodney Atkins brought the classics, Corey Kent kept the momentum rolling, and Lauren Watkins showed why she’s one to watch. Cody Jinks brought the outlaw energy to the main stage, and then—Megan Moroney graced the sunset stage in her signature sparkle, wearing a gorgeous white dress. The perfect golden hour set before the grand finale: Luke Combs closing out the weekend with a performance that gave everybody goosebumps. It was the kind of set that makes you fall in love with country music all over again.
Tortuga 2025, you were wild, sweaty, sun-soaked magic—and I already can’t wait to do it all over again next year.
